Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was encouraged with their stalemate against Champions League opponents Valencia.

Smalling admits they've been conceding too many goals this season.

After the international break, United will travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, followed by the first of two tough fixtures against Italian champions Juventus. Smalling feels the team will need to tighten up at the back ahead of those games.

“Two weeks is a long time to wait for your next game and if we can pick up with that tempo and that intensity and increase it a little bit, I think we can get the results we want," he said.

“I think we know this year that we have been conceding far too many goals. We need to get back to the last few years where we conceded very few goals and that's on us [defenders] to make sure we do that so the boys at the other end can get the goals to win the games."